CHICAGO – Oct. 22, 2012 – For major-metro regions in Florida – Jacksonville, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Tallahassee, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – had an increase in actively bid construction projects, according to the third-quarter BidClerk Construction Index (BCI). This increase covered both private and public construction projects that grew year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter.
Overall, Florida actively bid construction activity increase of 9.6 percent compared to one year earlier. Private construction rose 19 percent, while public construction rose 4.3 percent.
In a quarter-over-quarter analysis for all construction projects, the major-metro regions in Florida saw an increase of 12.3 percent. Third-quarter public projects saw an increase of 20.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2012, while private projects increased 1.4 percent.
Miami
In a year-over-year analysis for the Miami region, actively bid public and private construction projects rose 10.8 percent compared to one year ago. Private projects increased 22.4 percent and public projects increased 4.4 percent.
Quarter-over-quarter, combined private and public construction projects in Miami increased 12.3 percent. Private projects rose 2.8 percent and public projects rose 19.3 percent.
Orlando
In a year-over-year analysis for the Orlando region, actively bid public and private construction projects dropped 4.4 percent compared to one year ago. Private projects decreased 3.1 percent and public projects decreased 5.6 percent.
Quarter-over-quarter, combined private and public construction projects in Orlando decreased 3.3 percent. Private projects decreased 4.5 percent and public projects dropped 2.2 percent.
Tampa-St. Pete
In a year-over-year analysis for the Tampa-St. Pete region, actively bid public and private construction projects rose 24.5 percent compared to one year ago. Private projects increased 23.7 percent and public projects increased 24.9 percent.
Quarter-over-quarter, combined private and public construction projects in Tampa-St. Pete increased 16.9 percent. Private projects decreased 9.1 percent and public projects rose 37.8 percent.
Nationally, actively bid combined public and private construction projects increased 3 percent in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the same quarter a year ago. Third quarter 2012 public construction increased modestly, rising just 0.2 percent, while third quarter 2012 private construction rose 12.3 percent, year-over-year.
BidClerk, a provider of construction project data and marketing tools for building product manufacturers, contractors and distributors, releases the BidClerk Construction Index quarterly.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
Monday, October 22, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Fla. housing continues upswing in Sept
ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 19, 2012 – Florida’s housing market had higher pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in September, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
“Florida’s real estate market is no longer in recovery mode – stability and growth gain solid footing,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “Realtors across the state are reporting consistent increases in home sales and median prices, and multiple offers from buyers isn’t unusual. In fact, increasing buyer demand in many local markets is creating inventory shortages – and that’s putting pressure on prices. For sellers who may have been reluctant to enter the market, it’s now time to reconsider. Conditions are turning to a sellers’ market.”
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 15,643 in September, up 2 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 40.1 percent over the previous September. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $145,000, up 7.4 percent from a year ago.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in August 2012 was $188,700, up 10.2 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $343,820; in Massachusetts, it was $317,750; in Maryland, it was $255,498; and in New York, it was $225,000.
The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.
Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes-condos, a total of 7,329 units sold statewide last month, down slightly (-2.9 percent) from those sold in September 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in September increased 30.6 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $105,736, up 18.8 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in August 2012 was $176,700.
Last month, the inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.2-months’ supply; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.2-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
“The onward march of Florida's housing market continues,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “Inventories have now tilted to the point where we truly have a sellers’ market forming. Prices are up smartly and have been for quite a while. It’s getting to the point where Florida is the place to buy, but it may soon move out of reach for many households.”
The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.47 percent in September 2012, lower than the 4.11 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac
“Florida’s real estate market is no longer in recovery mode – stability and growth gain solid footing,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “Realtors across the state are reporting consistent increases in home sales and median prices, and multiple offers from buyers isn’t unusual. In fact, increasing buyer demand in many local markets is creating inventory shortages – and that’s putting pressure on prices. For sellers who may have been reluctant to enter the market, it’s now time to reconsider. Conditions are turning to a sellers’ market.”
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 15,643 in September, up 2 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 40.1 percent over the previous September. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $145,000, up 7.4 percent from a year ago.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in August 2012 was $188,700, up 10.2 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $343,820; in Massachusetts, it was $317,750; in Maryland, it was $255,498; and in New York, it was $225,000.
The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.
Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes-condos, a total of 7,329 units sold statewide last month, down slightly (-2.9 percent) from those sold in September 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in September increased 30.6 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $105,736, up 18.8 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in August 2012 was $176,700.
Last month, the inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.2-months’ supply; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.2-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
“The onward march of Florida's housing market continues,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “Inventories have now tilted to the point where we truly have a sellers’ market forming. Prices are up smartly and have been for quite a while. It’s getting to the point where Florida is the place to buy, but it may soon move out of reach for many households.”
The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.47 percent in September 2012, lower than the 4.11 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac
Friday, September 28, 2012
Mortgage Rates Sink to New Lows Again
Mortgage rates were back to breaking records for the second consecutive week. All mortgage products, except for the 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage, averaged a new record low, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey.
For those who can qualify, the low rates are helping to keep home buyer affordability high and refinancing strong, Freddie Mac reports.
"Fixed mortgage rates continued to decline this week, largely due to the Federal Reserve's purchases of mortgage securities, and should support an already improving housing market,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.
The Fed recently announced it would purchase $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities every month until the economy shows more improvement. The move is expected to send rates lower.
Here’s a closer look for the national average rates for the week ending Sept. 27:
For those who can qualify, the low rates are helping to keep home buyer affordability high and refinancing strong, Freddie Mac reports.
"Fixed mortgage rates continued to decline this week, largely due to the Federal Reserve's purchases of mortgage securities, and should support an already improving housing market,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.
The Fed recently announced it would purchase $40 billion in mortgage-backed securities every month until the economy shows more improvement. The move is expected to send rates lower.
Here’s a closer look for the national average rates for the week ending Sept. 27:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged a new record low of 3.40 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, dropping from last week’s previous record low of 3.49 percent. A year ago at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.01 percent.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged a new low of 2.73 percent, with an average 0.6 point, dropping from last week’s previous record low of 2.77 percent. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.28 percent.
- 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.71 percent, with an average 0.6 point, dropping from last week’s 2.76 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.02 percent.
- 1-year ARMs: averaged a new low of 2.60 percent this week, with an average 0.4 point, dropping from last week’s 2.61 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.83 percent.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
New-Home Prices Soar to 5-Year High
The median price of a new home rose a record-breaking 11.2 percent in August, reaching $256,000. That marks the highest level since March 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.
The price of new homes in August soared 17 percent compared to last year at this time.
The number of new-homes that sold in higher price ranges — $400,000 or more — rose significantly in August.
"This reflects the fact that people who are able to buy homes right now are those in higher-income ranges who have cash and equity on hand, while first-time buyers are having a tougher time getting qualified for a mortgage," says David Crowe, the National Association of Home Builders’ chief economist.
As prices rose, inventories of new homes in August remained at record lows. It would take 4.5 months to clear the houses on the market at August’s sales pace, the Census Bureau reported.
Single-family home sales mostly held steady in August, remaining at two-year highs. Sales slipped 0.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 373,000.
On a regional basis, new-home sales in August soared 20 percent in the Northeast, 1.8 percent in the Midwest, and 0.9 percent in the West. New-home sales declined 4.9 percent in the South in August.
"New-home sales in August effectively tied the pace they set in the previous month, when they were the strongest we've seen in more than two years — so this is really a continuation of the good news we've been getting on the housing front," says Barry Rutenberg, NAHB chairman. "Looking at the big picture, sales have been trending gradually upward since the middle of last year as favorable interest rates and prices have driven more consumers to get back in the market for a newly built home."
Source: “New Home Sales Ease, But Prices Hit 5-Year High,” Reuters (Sept. 26, 2012) and the National Association of Home Builders
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The price of new homes in August soared 17 percent compared to last year at this time.
The number of new-homes that sold in higher price ranges — $400,000 or more — rose significantly in August.
"This reflects the fact that people who are able to buy homes right now are those in higher-income ranges who have cash and equity on hand, while first-time buyers are having a tougher time getting qualified for a mortgage," says David Crowe, the National Association of Home Builders’ chief economist.
As prices rose, inventories of new homes in August remained at record lows. It would take 4.5 months to clear the houses on the market at August’s sales pace, the Census Bureau reported.
Single-family home sales mostly held steady in August, remaining at two-year highs. Sales slipped 0.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 373,000.
On a regional basis, new-home sales in August soared 20 percent in the Northeast, 1.8 percent in the Midwest, and 0.9 percent in the West. New-home sales declined 4.9 percent in the South in August.
"New-home sales in August effectively tied the pace they set in the previous month, when they were the strongest we've seen in more than two years — so this is really a continuation of the good news we've been getting on the housing front," says Barry Rutenberg, NAHB chairman. "Looking at the big picture, sales have been trending gradually upward since the middle of last year as favorable interest rates and prices have driven more consumers to get back in the market for a newly built home."
Source: “New Home Sales Ease, But Prices Hit 5-Year High,” Reuters (Sept. 26, 2012) and the National Association of Home Builders
Read More
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Home Prices Continue to Rise Over Last Year's Levels
More housing reports released on Tuesday showed home prices on the rise. The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that U.S. home prices increased 3.7 percent from a year ago in the 12-month period ending in July.
FHFA’s home price index is now at about the same level it was in June 2004. However, it’s 16.4 percent below the peak reached in April 2007. To calculate its housing index, the FHFA uses purchase price data on mortgages owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Also on Tuesday, S&P/Case-Shiller released a report also showing home prices on the rise for the fourth consecutive month and at their highest level in nearly two years. S&P/Case-Shiller report measures home prices in 10-city and 20-city composite indices. In its 20-city index, S&P/Case-Shiller reported home prices up 1.2 percent compared to a year earlier.
"The news on home prices in this report confirm recent good news about housing,” David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, told The Wall Street Journal. “Single family housing starts are well ahead of last year's pace, existing home sales are up, the inventory of homes for sale is down and foreclosure activity is slowing. All in all, we are more optimistic about housing."
Last week, NAR reported that the median price on existing-homes rose 9.5 percent over year ago levels. The median home price in August is $187,400.
The increase to the sales price in August was the strongest since January 2006 when median home prices had risen 10.2 percent higher than what they were a year ago.
The National Association of REALTORS® will release its pending home sales report on Thursday.
Source: “FHFA Home Price Index Now Equals 2004 Levels,” HousingWire (Sept. 25, 2012) and “Case-Shiller Shows Home Prices Rise Sharply Again,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 25, 2012)
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FHFA’s home price index is now at about the same level it was in June 2004. However, it’s 16.4 percent below the peak reached in April 2007. To calculate its housing index, the FHFA uses purchase price data on mortgages owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Also on Tuesday, S&P/Case-Shiller released a report also showing home prices on the rise for the fourth consecutive month and at their highest level in nearly two years. S&P/Case-Shiller report measures home prices in 10-city and 20-city composite indices. In its 20-city index, S&P/Case-Shiller reported home prices up 1.2 percent compared to a year earlier.
"The news on home prices in this report confirm recent good news about housing,” David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, told The Wall Street Journal. “Single family housing starts are well ahead of last year's pace, existing home sales are up, the inventory of homes for sale is down and foreclosure activity is slowing. All in all, we are more optimistic about housing."
Last week, NAR reported that the median price on existing-homes rose 9.5 percent over year ago levels. The median home price in August is $187,400.
The increase to the sales price in August was the strongest since January 2006 when median home prices had risen 10.2 percent higher than what they were a year ago.
The National Association of REALTORS® will release its pending home sales report on Thursday.
Source: “FHFA Home Price Index Now Equals 2004 Levels,” HousingWire (Sept. 25, 2012) and “Case-Shiller Shows Home Prices Rise Sharply Again,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 25, 2012)
Read More
Thursday, September 20, 2012
In Buy vs. Rent, Home Buying Wins Again
A new Trulia study shows that owning a home is more affordable than renting over a seven-year time frame in America's 100 biggest cities.
Trulia collected data on homes for sale and for rent from its Web site between June 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012, and factored in such items as transaction costs, taxes, and opportunity costs. The study assumes that the home is sold after seven years and includes closing costs, maintenance, insurance, property taxes and other costs. The cost of renting includes security deposit and renters insurance.
Trulia found that nationally, owning is 45 percent cheaper than renting, with affordability highest in Detroit and lowest in Honolulu and San Francisco.
Download Trulia's full buy vs. rent cost analysis (PDF).
Source: "Homeownership 45 Percent Cheaper Than Renting, But Factors Vary," eCredit Daily (09/17/12)
(c) Copyright 2012 Information, Inc
Trulia collected data on homes for sale and for rent from its Web site between June 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012, and factored in such items as transaction costs, taxes, and opportunity costs. The study assumes that the home is sold after seven years and includes closing costs, maintenance, insurance, property taxes and other costs. The cost of renting includes security deposit and renters insurance.
Trulia found that nationally, owning is 45 percent cheaper than renting, with affordability highest in Detroit and lowest in Honolulu and San Francisco.
Download Trulia's full buy vs. rent cost analysis (PDF).
Source: "Homeownership 45 Percent Cheaper Than Renting, But Factors Vary," eCredit Daily (09/17/12)
(c) Copyright 2012 Information, Inc
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Florida's housing market continues positive trend in August
NAR: August existing-home sales and prices rise
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 19, 2012 – Florida’s housing market had more closed sales, more pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in August, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
“Florida’s housing marketing continues its momentum,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “Buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines should see this as a sign to jump in before the market escapes them again. Sellers who have been hesitant to sell should put their homes on the market now. Chances are they will entertain multiple offers and be able to take advantage of historically low interest rates to buy their next home. Now our biggest challenge will be appraisals keeping up with the pace of this market.”
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 18,669 in August, up 10.8 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 40.2 percent over the previous August. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $147,000, up 5.8 percent from a year ago.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in July 2012 was $188,100, up 9.6 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in July was $333,860; in Massachusetts, it was $325,000; in Maryland, it was $261,772; and in New York, it was $233,000.
The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.
Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes/condos, a total of 8,767 units sold statewide last month, up 5.7 percent from those sold in August 2011. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $102,980, up 13.2 percent over the previous year. NAR reported the national median existing condo price in July 2012 was $180,700.
Last month, the inventory for single-family homes in August stood at a 5.3-months’ supply; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.3-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
“Florida’s housing market is still reviving,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “Everything that should be going up is going up, and everything that should be going down is going down. After the six years of turmoil that we had, it’s good to see the trends strongly moving in the right direction. We’re hurting for inventory, but it’s possible that the improving conditions will lure more sellers into the market and mitigate the housing inventory crunch.”
The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.60 percent in August 2012, lower than the 4.27 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.
To see the full statewide housing activity report, go to Florida Realtors website and click on the Research page; then look under Latest Housing Data, Statewide Residential Activity and get the August report. Or go to Florida Realtors Media Center and download the August 2012 data report PDF under Market Data.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sept. 19, 2012 – Florida’s housing market had more closed sales, more pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in August, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
“Florida’s housing marketing continues its momentum,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “Buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines should see this as a sign to jump in before the market escapes them again. Sellers who have been hesitant to sell should put their homes on the market now. Chances are they will entertain multiple offers and be able to take advantage of historically low interest rates to buy their next home. Now our biggest challenge will be appraisals keeping up with the pace of this market.”
Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 18,669 in August, up 10.8 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 40.2 percent over the previous August. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $147,000, up 5.8 percent from a year ago.
According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in July 2012 was $188,100, up 9.6 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in July was $333,860; in Massachusetts, it was $325,000; in Maryland, it was $261,772; and in New York, it was $233,000.
The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.
Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes/condos, a total of 8,767 units sold statewide last month, up 5.7 percent from those sold in August 2011. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $102,980, up 13.2 percent over the previous year. NAR reported the national median existing condo price in July 2012 was $180,700.
Last month, the inventory for single-family homes in August stood at a 5.3-months’ supply; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.3-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.
“Florida’s housing market is still reviving,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “Everything that should be going up is going up, and everything that should be going down is going down. After the six years of turmoil that we had, it’s good to see the trends strongly moving in the right direction. We’re hurting for inventory, but it’s possible that the improving conditions will lure more sellers into the market and mitigate the housing inventory crunch.”
The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.60 percent in August 2012, lower than the 4.27 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.
To see the full statewide housing activity report, go to Florida Realtors website and click on the Research page; then look under Latest Housing Data, Statewide Residential Activity and get the August report. Or go to Florida Realtors Media Center and download the August 2012 data report PDF under Market Data.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Fed economic plan could lower mortgage rates
Fed economic plan could lower mortgage rates
WASHINGTON – Sept. 14, 2012 – In a bold effort to reduce borrowing costs for homebuyers and bolster the recovery, the Federal Reserve says it will buy mortgage-backed securities until job growth picks up significantly.
Thursday’s announcement marks the first time the Fed has committed to an open-ended plan to buy government bonds until the economy improves. Economists say that can have more powerful effects than the Fed’s previous $2.3 trillion in Treasury and mortgage bond purchases.
Investors cheered, pushing stock markets to their highest levels in at least five years.
The Fed agreed to buy $40 billion a month in mortgage-backed securities. It also extended its likely timetable for keeping short-term interests near zero from late 2014 to mid-2015.
“We don’t have tools strong enough to solve” high unemployment, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said. “We’re just trying to get the economy moving in the right direction.”
Along with an existing Treasury bond-buying program ending in December, the Fed plans to purchase $85 billion a month in long-term bonds through year’s end. That should lower long-term rates and make loans less costly for consumers and businesses.
The Fed said it will continue buying mortgage bonds and may buy other assets if “the labor market doesn’t improve substantially.” It vowed to keep its easy-money policies going even after the recovery strengthens.
“It’s a bold move,” says economist Michael Gapen of Barclays Capital.
He predicts it will bring down mortgage rates by up to a half-percentage point and add two tenths of a percentage point to economic growth over the next year. Unemployment should fall by another two-tenths of a percentage point, says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics.
The Fed slightly cut its 2012 forecast, projecting the economy will grow at a 1.7 percent to 2 percent annual rate. It expects unemployment, now 8.1 percent, to dip to 7.6 percent to 7.9 percent by the end of 2013.
With interest rates low and banks tight-fisted, the benefits of the Fed’s plan may be limited. Almost two-thirds of the 40 economists that USA TODAY surveyed after the announcement said the Fed’s actions would help the economy only a little by January. As many said the impact on the housing market would be as slight.
© Copyright 2012 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc., Paul Davidson
Thursday’s announcement marks the first time the Fed has committed to an open-ended plan to buy government bonds until the economy improves. Economists say that can have more powerful effects than the Fed’s previous $2.3 trillion in Treasury and mortgage bond purchases.
Investors cheered, pushing stock markets to their highest levels in at least five years.
The Fed agreed to buy $40 billion a month in mortgage-backed securities. It also extended its likely timetable for keeping short-term interests near zero from late 2014 to mid-2015.
“We don’t have tools strong enough to solve” high unemployment, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said. “We’re just trying to get the economy moving in the right direction.”
Along with an existing Treasury bond-buying program ending in December, the Fed plans to purchase $85 billion a month in long-term bonds through year’s end. That should lower long-term rates and make loans less costly for consumers and businesses.
The Fed said it will continue buying mortgage bonds and may buy other assets if “the labor market doesn’t improve substantially.” It vowed to keep its easy-money policies going even after the recovery strengthens.
“It’s a bold move,” says economist Michael Gapen of Barclays Capital.
He predicts it will bring down mortgage rates by up to a half-percentage point and add two tenths of a percentage point to economic growth over the next year. Unemployment should fall by another two-tenths of a percentage point, says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics.
The Fed slightly cut its 2012 forecast, projecting the economy will grow at a 1.7 percent to 2 percent annual rate. It expects unemployment, now 8.1 percent, to dip to 7.6 percent to 7.9 percent by the end of 2013.
With interest rates low and banks tight-fisted, the benefits of the Fed’s plan may be limited. Almost two-thirds of the 40 economists that USA TODAY surveyed after the announcement said the Fed’s actions would help the economy only a little by January. As many said the impact on the housing market would be as slight.
© Copyright 2012 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc., Paul Davidson
Friday, September 14, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Coldwell Banker announces the top Agents
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate has just announced the top agents as of August 2012 and once again Hughes Shelton Realtors are the number one agents in Hillsborough County Florida.
More good news for Tampa Bay real estate
Home sales have risen 13 percent to 3,000 in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties since August of last year, according to data from My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
What’s more, homes are selling for more money and they are selling in less time. Conventional sales and short sales of homes at deep discounts each climbed 25 percent in the past year. Conventional homes sold for an average of $170,000, and short sale homes sold for an average of $107,000.
During the past year, sales of foreclosed homes contributed less to the area’s real estate picture, dipping 20 percent to just over 500 homes sold. Agents report that foreclosed homes in good condition are now rare and are selling fast.
Overall, inventory has dropped substantially, falling to just three-months’ supply of homes in Hillsborough County
What’s more, homes are selling for more money and they are selling in less time. Conventional sales and short sales of homes at deep discounts each climbed 25 percent in the past year. Conventional homes sold for an average of $170,000, and short sale homes sold for an average of $107,000.
During the past year, sales of foreclosed homes contributed less to the area’s real estate picture, dipping 20 percent to just over 500 homes sold. Agents report that foreclosed homes in good condition are now rare and are selling fast.
Overall, inventory has dropped substantially, falling to just three-months’ supply of homes in Hillsborough County
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Number of Improving Housing Markets Grows
Number of Improving Housing Markets Grows
The number of metro areas showing signs of real estate market improvement expand in September, rising from 80 to 99 metro areas, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index.
"This solid growth is an encouraging sign that housing continues on a slow but steady recovery path that is gradually advancing from one local market to the next," says Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.
The index identifies metro areas that have shown improvement in housing permits, employment, and home prices for at least six consecutive months. This month, the markets added to the list include Tucson, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., Springfield, Ill., Greenville, N.C., and Bend, Ore., among others.
"More metros across the country are experiencing a sustained uptick in house prices, employment, and new building activity as rising consumer confidence in local market conditions pushes more people to consider a new-home purchase," says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
Download and view a complete list of the 99 metro areas that made the Improving Market list, visit www.nahb.org/imi (Excel).
Source: National Association of Home Builders
"This solid growth is an encouraging sign that housing continues on a slow but steady recovery path that is gradually advancing from one local market to the next," says Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.
The index identifies metro areas that have shown improvement in housing permits, employment, and home prices for at least six consecutive months. This month, the markets added to the list include Tucson, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., Springfield, Ill., Greenville, N.C., and Bend, Ore., among others.
"More metros across the country are experiencing a sustained uptick in house prices, employment, and new building activity as rising consumer confidence in local market conditions pushes more people to consider a new-home purchase," says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
Download and view a complete list of the 99 metro areas that made the Improving Market list, visit www.nahb.org/imi (Excel).
Source: National Association of Home Builders
Monday, September 10, 2012
Another Sign That Home Prices Have Hit Bottom.
Daily Real Estate News | Monday, September 10, 2012
Economists are increasingly confident that home prices have bottomed out.
For the last three years, home prices have usually risen in the spring and summer to only then lose all of those increases—plus more—in the fall and winter months. However, economists expect this year to be different and do not foresee such a big drop to occur to home prices in the colder months ahead, The Wall Street Journal reports.
While the fall months likely will bring out some sort of decrease in recent home price increases, “we have a much better supply and demand dynamic” than in previous years, Mark Fleming, CoreLogic’s chief economist, told The Wall Street Journal.
Home prices have posted some of their largest year-over-year jumps compared to the last six years. According to CoreLogic, home prices have risen 9.6 percent from February, which was the month prices reached their lowest levels since the housing slowdown. Economists say it’s unlikely that, given recent indicators, home prices will reverse course steeply and fall 9.6 percent or even more in the coming months. Home prices haven’t dropped by that type of percentage since the economy was in a recession.
Source: “Here’s More Evidence That Home Prices Have Hit Bottom,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 4, 2012)
For the last three years, home prices have usually risen in the spring and summer to only then lose all of those increases—plus more—in the fall and winter months. However, economists expect this year to be different and do not foresee such a big drop to occur to home prices in the colder months ahead, The Wall Street Journal reports.
While the fall months likely will bring out some sort of decrease in recent home price increases, “we have a much better supply and demand dynamic” than in previous years, Mark Fleming, CoreLogic’s chief economist, told The Wall Street Journal.
Home prices have posted some of their largest year-over-year jumps compared to the last six years. According to CoreLogic, home prices have risen 9.6 percent from February, which was the month prices reached their lowest levels since the housing slowdown. Economists say it’s unlikely that, given recent indicators, home prices will reverse course steeply and fall 9.6 percent or even more in the coming months. Home prices haven’t dropped by that type of percentage since the economy was in a recession.
Source: “Here’s More Evidence That Home Prices Have Hit Bottom,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 4, 2012)
Sunday, September 9, 2012
U.S. homes prices post first 12-month gain since 2010
U.S. home prices post first 12-month gain since ‘10
WASHINGTON (AP) – Aug. 28, 2012 – U.S. home prices rose in June from the same month last year, the first year-over-year increase since the summer of 2010. The increase is the latest evidence of a nascent recovery in the housing market.
The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index released Tuesday showed a gain of 0.5 percent from June 2011.
The last time the year-over-year index increased was in September 2010. For much of that 12-month period, the government was offering a home-buying tax credit.
The report also showed that all 20 cities tracked by the index rose in June from May, the second consecutive time in which every city posted month-over-month gains. And all but two cities posted stronger gains in June than May.
Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago and Atlanta recorded the biggest one-month gains.
“The combined positive news coming from both monthly and annual rates of change in home prices bode well for the housing market,” said David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P’s index committee.
Jonathan Basile, an economist with Credit Suisse, said improving home prices should boost home sales further in the coming months.
“Persistent news of rising house prices should start convincing prospective home sellers that it’s not just a buyers’ market,” Basile said. “And when Americans become more comfortable with selling their home, they also become more comfortable with buying another one.”
The S&P/Case-Shiller monthly index covers roughly half of U.S. homes. It measures prices compared with those in January 2000 and creates a three-month moving average. The June figures are the latest available.
The increases partly reflect the impact of seasonal buying. The month-to-month prices aren’t adjusted for seasonal factors.
Still, a measure of national prices rose for the third straight month. Home prices jumped nearly 7 percent in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
The housing market is making a modest but steady recovery in part because homes are more affordable: Mortgage rates have fallen to near-record lows. Housing prices are about one-third lower than at the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. Those trends have helped lift sales of both new and previously occupied homes.
Sales of previously occupied homes increased in July from June, the National Association of Realtors said last week. Sales have jumped 10 percent in the past year.
Builders are growing more confident after seeing more traffic from potential buyers. Last month they applied for the largest number of building permits in nearly four years.
The housing market has a long way to go to reach a full recovery. Some economists forecast that sales of previously occupied homes will rise 8 percent this year to about 4.6 million. That’s still well below the 5.5 million annual sales pace that is considered healthy.
Sales have been held back by a low supply of homes on the market and tight credit standards, economists said. Many would-be buyers are having trouble qualifying for loans or can’t afford larger down payments being required by banks. A Federal Reserve report last month showed that many banks tightened their mortgage credit standards this summer.
Still, the housing market is steadily improving and is poised to contribute to economic growth this year. Modest economic growth and job gains are encouraging more Americans to buy homes.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press, Martin Crutsinger, AP economics writer
The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index released Tuesday showed a gain of 0.5 percent from June 2011.
The last time the year-over-year index increased was in September 2010. For much of that 12-month period, the government was offering a home-buying tax credit.
The report also showed that all 20 cities tracked by the index rose in June from May, the second consecutive time in which every city posted month-over-month gains. And all but two cities posted stronger gains in June than May.
Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago and Atlanta recorded the biggest one-month gains.
“The combined positive news coming from both monthly and annual rates of change in home prices bode well for the housing market,” said David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P’s index committee.
Jonathan Basile, an economist with Credit Suisse, said improving home prices should boost home sales further in the coming months.
“Persistent news of rising house prices should start convincing prospective home sellers that it’s not just a buyers’ market,” Basile said. “And when Americans become more comfortable with selling their home, they also become more comfortable with buying another one.”
The S&P/Case-Shiller monthly index covers roughly half of U.S. homes. It measures prices compared with those in January 2000 and creates a three-month moving average. The June figures are the latest available.
The increases partly reflect the impact of seasonal buying. The month-to-month prices aren’t adjusted for seasonal factors.
Still, a measure of national prices rose for the third straight month. Home prices jumped nearly 7 percent in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
The housing market is making a modest but steady recovery in part because homes are more affordable: Mortgage rates have fallen to near-record lows. Housing prices are about one-third lower than at the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. Those trends have helped lift sales of both new and previously occupied homes.
Sales of previously occupied homes increased in July from June, the National Association of Realtors said last week. Sales have jumped 10 percent in the past year.
Builders are growing more confident after seeing more traffic from potential buyers. Last month they applied for the largest number of building permits in nearly four years.
The housing market has a long way to go to reach a full recovery. Some economists forecast that sales of previously occupied homes will rise 8 percent this year to about 4.6 million. That’s still well below the 5.5 million annual sales pace that is considered healthy.
Sales have been held back by a low supply of homes on the market and tight credit standards, economists said. Many would-be buyers are having trouble qualifying for loans or can’t afford larger down payments being required by banks. A Federal Reserve report last month showed that many banks tightened their mortgage credit standards this summer.
Still, the housing market is steadily improving and is poised to contribute to economic growth this year. Modest economic growth and job gains are encouraging more Americans to buy homes.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press, Martin Crutsinger, AP economics writer
Friday, September 7, 2012
Home asking prices up 2.3% in Aug. over year ago, claims Trulia
Home asking prices up 2.3% in Aug. over year ago, claims Trulia
SAN FRANCISCO – Sept. 6, 2012 – Nationally, asking prices on for-sale homes increased 2.3 percent in August compared to the previous year, according to data compiled for the Trulia Price Monitor.
According to Trulia, asking prices on for-sale homes in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area rose 16.5 percent year-over-year; in the West Palm Beach metro area, 10.4 percent; in the Miami metro area, 9.6 percent; and in the Orlando metro area, 8.6 percent.
In 68 of the 100 largest metros, asking prices on for-sale homes rose year-over-year in August. Excluding foreclosures, asking prices rose 3.8 percent year-over-year. These are the largest year-over-year gains since the recession, according to Trulia.
Meanwhile, asking prices rose nationally 1.8 percent quarter-over-quarter, seasonally adjusted. Looking month-over-month, asking prices rose by 0.8 percent – the seventh consecutive month of increases, according to Trulia.
Nationally, rents rose 4.7 percent year-over-year in August, compared to 5.8 percent year-over-year in May – making it the slowest rise since March, according to Trulia.
The Trulia Price Monitor and Trulia Rent Monitor are based on the for-sale homes and rentals listed on Trulia. The monitors take into account changes in the mix of listed homes and reflect trends in prices and rents for similar homes in similar neighborhoods through Aug. 31, 2012.
According to Trulia, asking prices on for-sale homes in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area rose 16.5 percent year-over-year; in the West Palm Beach metro area, 10.4 percent; in the Miami metro area, 9.6 percent; and in the Orlando metro area, 8.6 percent.
In 68 of the 100 largest metros, asking prices on for-sale homes rose year-over-year in August. Excluding foreclosures, asking prices rose 3.8 percent year-over-year. These are the largest year-over-year gains since the recession, according to Trulia.
Meanwhile, asking prices rose nationally 1.8 percent quarter-over-quarter, seasonally adjusted. Looking month-over-month, asking prices rose by 0.8 percent – the seventh consecutive month of increases, according to Trulia.
Nationally, rents rose 4.7 percent year-over-year in August, compared to 5.8 percent year-over-year in May – making it the slowest rise since March, according to Trulia.
The Trulia Price Monitor and Trulia Rent Monitor are based on the for-sale homes and rentals listed on Trulia. The monitors take into account changes in the mix of listed homes and reflect trends in prices and rents for similar homes in similar neighborhoods through Aug. 31, 2012.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Homes selling quickly, time on market down
WASHINGTON – Sept. 5, 2012 – A new measure shows the typical amount of time it takes to sell a home is shrinking.
The time it takes to sell a home currently – 69 days in July, down 29.6 percent from 98 days in July 2011 – is in the range of historic norms for a balanced market, according to NAR. It’s also well below the cyclical peak reached in 2009.
The median reflects a wide spectrum; one-third of homes purchased in July were on the market for less than a month, while one in five was on the market for at least six months.
“As inventory has tightened, homes have been selling more quickly,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “A notable shortening of time on market began this spring, and this has created a general balance between home buyers and sellers in much of the country. This equilibrium is supporting sustained price growth, and homes that are correctly priced tend to sell quickly, while those that aren’t often languish on the market.”
At the end July, there was a 6.4-month supply of homes on the market at the current sales pace, which is 31.2 percent below a year ago when there was a 9.3-month supply.
NAR says that its research has determined that a balanced market generally has a median selling time of slightly more than six weeks, making the current market appear balanced.
In balanced market conditions, home prices generally rise 1 to 2 percentage points above the overall rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
“Our current forecast is for the median existing home price to rise 4.5 to 5 percent this year, and about 5 percent in 2013, which is somewhat stronger than historic norms because of the inventory shortfall most pronounced in the low price ranges,” Yun says.
Inflation (CPI growth) is projected at 2.1 percent for 2012 and 2.3 percent next year.
From 1987 through 2011, analysis of the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers series showed the typical time on market was 6.9 weeks, while the existing-home sales series showed an average supply of 7.0 months – just above the high end for a balanced market.
NAR’s new measure of days on market shows a longer selling time than earlier findings that measured traditional sellers of non-distressed homes. The new series includes short sales that typically took three months or longer to sell.
“Factoring out short sales, the median time on market for traditional sellers appears to be in the balanced range of six to seven weeks,” Yun says.
During the peak of the housing boom in 2004 and 2005, when inventory supplies were historically low at an average 4.3 months, the median selling time was 4 weeks. Prices in that time rose at an annual rate of 10.3 percent.
In the economic downturn, time on market for non-distressed sellers peaked at 10 weeks in 2009 with a 10-month annualized supply. The median price fell 12.9 percent that year, the biggest annual decline on record.
“Ironically, if housing construction doesn’t pick up to normal levels within two years, supply shortages could be sustained for an extended period and lead to above average appreciation,” Yun says. “Therefore, any unnecessary hindrance to housing starts, such as excessive local zoning regulations or stringent bank capital rules for construction loans, should be carefully re-examined.”
NAR’s new days-on-market figures will be included in future existing-home sales releases. It’s derived from a monthly survey for the Realtors Confidence Index.
The median time on market can be misleading at times, however. If an abundance of fresh listings enters the market, it could skew the average downward.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
The time it takes to sell a home currently – 69 days in July, down 29.6 percent from 98 days in July 2011 – is in the range of historic norms for a balanced market, according to NAR. It’s also well below the cyclical peak reached in 2009.
The median reflects a wide spectrum; one-third of homes purchased in July were on the market for less than a month, while one in five was on the market for at least six months.
“As inventory has tightened, homes have been selling more quickly,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “A notable shortening of time on market began this spring, and this has created a general balance between home buyers and sellers in much of the country. This equilibrium is supporting sustained price growth, and homes that are correctly priced tend to sell quickly, while those that aren’t often languish on the market.”
At the end July, there was a 6.4-month supply of homes on the market at the current sales pace, which is 31.2 percent below a year ago when there was a 9.3-month supply.
NAR says that its research has determined that a balanced market generally has a median selling time of slightly more than six weeks, making the current market appear balanced.
In balanced market conditions, home prices generally rise 1 to 2 percentage points above the overall rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
“Our current forecast is for the median existing home price to rise 4.5 to 5 percent this year, and about 5 percent in 2013, which is somewhat stronger than historic norms because of the inventory shortfall most pronounced in the low price ranges,” Yun says.
Inflation (CPI growth) is projected at 2.1 percent for 2012 and 2.3 percent next year.
From 1987 through 2011, analysis of the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers series showed the typical time on market was 6.9 weeks, while the existing-home sales series showed an average supply of 7.0 months – just above the high end for a balanced market.
NAR’s new measure of days on market shows a longer selling time than earlier findings that measured traditional sellers of non-distressed homes. The new series includes short sales that typically took three months or longer to sell.
“Factoring out short sales, the median time on market for traditional sellers appears to be in the balanced range of six to seven weeks,” Yun says.
During the peak of the housing boom in 2004 and 2005, when inventory supplies were historically low at an average 4.3 months, the median selling time was 4 weeks. Prices in that time rose at an annual rate of 10.3 percent.
In the economic downturn, time on market for non-distressed sellers peaked at 10 weeks in 2009 with a 10-month annualized supply. The median price fell 12.9 percent that year, the biggest annual decline on record.
“Ironically, if housing construction doesn’t pick up to normal levels within two years, supply shortages could be sustained for an extended period and lead to above average appreciation,” Yun says. “Therefore, any unnecessary hindrance to housing starts, such as excessive local zoning regulations or stringent bank capital rules for construction loans, should be carefully re-examined.”
NAR’s new days-on-market figures will be included in future existing-home sales releases. It’s derived from a monthly survey for the Realtors Confidence Index.
The median time on market can be misleading at times, however. If an abundance of fresh listings enters the market, it could skew the average downward.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
July home price index up 3.8% year-over-year
Sept. 4, 2012 – Home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased on a year-over-year basis by 3.8 percent in July 2012 compared to July 2011, according to CoreLogic’s monthly Home Price Index (HPI) for July. It was the biggest year-over-year increase since August 2006.
On a month-over-month basis, including distressed sales, home prices increased by 1.3 percent in July 2012 compared to June 2012. The July 2012 figures mark the fifth consecutive increase in home prices nationally on both a year-over-year and month-over-month basis.
When distressed home sales are backed out of the statistics, home prices nationwide increased on a year-over-year basis by 4.3 percent. On a month-over-month basis excluding distressed sales, home prices increased 1.7 percent. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.
The CoreLogic Pending HPI measures homes under contract but not yet sold. CoreLogic says that it predicts August home prices, including distressed sales, will rise by 4.6 percent on a year-over-year basis and at least 0.6 percent on a month-over-month basis. Excluding distressed sales, August house prices are also poised to rise 6.0 percent year-over-year and 1.3 percent month-over-month.
“The housing market continues its positive trajectory with significant price gains in July, and our expectation of a further increase in August,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. “While the pace of growth is moderating as we transition to the off-season for home buying, we expect a positive gain in price levels for the full year.”
“Although we expect some slowing in price gains over the balance of 2012, we are clearly seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel,” adds Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.
On a month-over-month basis, including distressed sales, home prices increased by 1.3 percent in July 2012 compared to June 2012. The July 2012 figures mark the fifth consecutive increase in home prices nationally on both a year-over-year and month-over-month basis.
When distressed home sales are backed out of the statistics, home prices nationwide increased on a year-over-year basis by 4.3 percent. On a month-over-month basis excluding distressed sales, home prices increased 1.7 percent. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.
The CoreLogic Pending HPI measures homes under contract but not yet sold. CoreLogic says that it predicts August home prices, including distressed sales, will rise by 4.6 percent on a year-over-year basis and at least 0.6 percent on a month-over-month basis. Excluding distressed sales, August house prices are also poised to rise 6.0 percent year-over-year and 1.3 percent month-over-month.
“The housing market continues its positive trajectory with significant price gains in July, and our expectation of a further increase in August,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. “While the pace of growth is moderating as we transition to the off-season for home buying, we expect a positive gain in price levels for the full year.”
“Although we expect some slowing in price gains over the balance of 2012, we are clearly seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel,” adds Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Florida has 26% of all U.S. international sales
Researchers say that the 2012 results closely resemble those in 2011. It’s based on a survey taken by over 1,500 members of Florida Realtors.
The international real estate market – defined as non-resident foreigners who buy residential real estate in the U.S. – is important to Florida. Nationwide, 51 percent of all foreign sales take place in only four states – Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. Of those four states, Florida has the largest share: 26 percent of national sales to foreign buyers closed in the Sunshine State.
Overall, 19 percent of Florida home sales (by dollar volume) went to foreign buyers.
Report highlights
• Nearly all international sales were cash – 82 percent of transactions.
• The median price paid by international buyers was $194,700 compared to an overall Florida median price of $125,100 and a U.S. median price of $167,758.
• Canadian buyers tended to buy in the lower price range; European and Latin American buyers bought at a higher price range.
• Foreign buyers see the U.S. residential housing market as a good value, thanks, in part, to favorable international exchange rates.
• In the 2012 survey, Canadians led the way as United Kingdom buyers faded a bit. Brazil and Venezuela have increased as sources.
• Condos account for 45 percent of properties, townhouses 10 percent and detached single-family homes 36 percent.
• 61 percent of surveyed Realtors said that they worked with an international client in the past 12 months, down from 77 percent.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Coldwell Banker's annouces the top Luxury agents in Florida
Hughes Shelton Realtors was recently recognized by Coldwell Banker Previews International as one of the top 30 agents in the state of Florida for Luxury Home sales. Hughes Shelton Realtors was the number one real estate team for Hillsborough County, Florida in dollar volume and units sold.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
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